Q&A: Where are the steepest hills near London?

Question

I had three similar questions about the ‘hilliest hills’ near London:

“A friend and I (both living and working in central London) are competing in a quadrathlon which involves a 15 mile hike over seven Munroes in the Scottish highlands. We’re looking for the hilliest/most challenging day hike that is accessible from London within one day (i.e. we’d leave early and return the same day, but with c.8hrs of very hilly hiking) for training purposes. Would you be kind enough to recommend any locations we should consider?”

“Our children like hikes that are difficult, but not long. They want to clamber up steep inclines that force them to use their hands and to argue over picking out the best path. Do you know of any particularly challenging, and preferably short, hikes that are easily accessible from London?“

“I’m looking for hiking routes up steep hills, rough climbs no more than 45 minutes from West London by car. Can you suggest any routes?”

So where ARE the steep hills nearest to London?

First of all, let’s clarify what we mean by steep and hilly!

The highest places in or near London in terms of metres from sea level may not even look like or feel like a hill when you’re on top, because the height gained is so gradual you don’t notice it.

So what we’re really looking for is hills with a large relative drop (or prominence) in height from the surrounding ground.

There are names for these! Marilyns are hills with a 150m prominence and Humps have a 100m prominence.

From the simple screenshot above, you might be able to see that the blue pins – which are the Marilyns – are very scarce around London.

If you’re expecting to find steep crags and views of mountain ranges within an hour of London you’ll be sadly disappointed I’m afraid.

But I’ve worked out the top ten hills with the biggest ‘drops’ that can be realistically reached on a day hike from London by public transport – and suggested a walking route for each which climbs UP the hill in question by the steepest route!

I’ve also added a few suggestions that aren’t in the top ten that still give you that ‘I can see for miles and miles’ feeling.

So let’s start with the biggest first.

1. North Downs: Leith Hill (246m drop)

At the top of Leith Hill you can also climb the famous tower which is the highest point in South East England – apparently on a clear day you can see 14 counties, the Channel and the clock face on Big Ben!

For the toughest climb up Leith Hill, approach it from the south, from Ockley station.

2. South Downs: Ditchling Beacon (214m drop)

The Hassocks to Lewes walk climbs up onto the Downs at the Jack and Jill windmills, and then you follow the top of the Downs to Ditchling Beacon and onwards. However, although there is not much in it, it does look as though the toughest, steepest climb up to Ditchling Beacon is from Wick Farm directly below the Beacon. You could perhaps follow the minor road from Clayton to take you to this point, and then climb up.

(You’re a glutton for punishment aren’t you?)

3. North Downs: Botley Hill (209m drop)

The North Downs Way takes a path up the steep climb up Botley Hill. The top is not particularly exiting I’m afraid… the path climbs through woods on a muddy path, and at the top is a road and a car park, as you can see in Ultraplodder’s video above.

8. South Downs: Butser Hill (158m drop)

This is yet another gorgeous location on the South Downs. The top of Butser hill is flat, with excellent views north. It’s a popular location for kite flying!

It’s easy to get to from Petersfield. I was unable to find a good circular walk description taking in Butser Hill so here’s my suggestion for a walk that takes the steepest and toughest climb up the hill – via Ramsdean Down.

From Petersfield cross the A3 and follow footpaths west to Stroud. Follow track south-west to Ramsdean village, and from there head south to take the steep climb up Butser hill. Follow the South Downs Way south and down off the hill, crossing the A3 again and entering Queen Elizabeth Country Park at the Visitor Centre. Now follow the Hangers Way roughly north-east all the way back to Petersfield, passing through the village of Buriton.

Some final comments… and suggestions.

The ten hills above are purely taken from the list of Marilyns and Humps. They are ‘technically’ the steepest hills but aren’t necessarily the best walks or nicest walks to give you that ‘I can see for miles and miles’ feeling.

So I wanted to give you some of my best suggestions to satisfy your hill walking cravings or provide you with a challenging walk.

Box Hill is another great location for a steep climb. There is a really steep climb up to Box Hill coming from the train station over the stepping stones (take care in rainy weather as they can be submerged). You could do a circular walk taking in this climb two or three times I guess…! At the top you are rewarded with great views. At the top there is a cafe, and several walking trails of various lengths, many designed with families in mind.

Hassocks to Devil’s Dyke. Another walk from the Time Out Book (Vol 2). But it has 3 steep climbs, the last one being Devils Dyke, a major beauty spot. Devils Dyke in particular is extremely steep and they could try to scramble up the sides of it to the top or walking up the middle of it. You can cut the route short by getting a bus to Brighton from the pub at the top of Devil’s Dyke.

I’m conscious that most of these hills are south of London – and unfortunately north Londoners that’s just the way it is! But I have got one suggestion for you: Ivinghoe Beacon – a steep hill you can get to from Marylebone. Read more about it here.

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